The fiery topaz is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It has brilliant iridescent plumage and resides in northern South America, where it consumes nectar and insects.
Region
Western and central Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland rainforests of Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, and adjacent regions, especially along large rivers and seasonally flooded (várzea) and river-island forests. Favors forest edges, tall canopy openings, and river margins where flowering trees and epiphytes are abundant. Often keeps to the upper canopy but descends to feed at rich nectar sources along beaches and second-growth near rivers. Less frequent in interior terra firme away from waterways.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Fiery Topaz is one of the largest and most spectacular hummingbirds, with males sporting extremely long, spatulate tail streamers. Its iridescent plumage shifts from coppery-red to golden-green with the light, making it dazzling in the forest canopy. It is an important pollinator of tall riverine trees and epiphytes. Usually tied to major Amazonian waterways, it is more often seen along river edges than deep inside forest.
Topaza pyra (mounted specimen)
Illustration of a male and female T. pyra from John Gould's A monograph of the Trochilidae, or family of humming-birds, Volume 2, 1861.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile hovering; strong direct dashes between canopy flowers
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside breeding, with males defending rich flowering trees and display perches along rivers. Courtship involves aerial chases and hovering displays before females. Nests are small cups of plant down and fibers, placed on horizontal branches or exposed twigs, often near water; clutches usually contain two eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched chips and twitters, given from exposed perches or while hovering at flowers. Wing hum is loud and insect-like, especially noticeable during display flights.
